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Ride For The Sun Ch. 01

By: woodmanone



Constructive comments and emails are welcome and appreciated.

Please let me know if you like or even dislike this tale of the Old West.

Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my story. I hope you enjoy it.

********************

Rafe Cassidy rode passed a pile of bleach white bones that had once been a steer. "If I don't find a water hole pretty soon I'm gonna end up as a pile of bones myself," he said aloud. Lifting his one canteen that still had some water in it he took a mouthful. Swishing the water around in his mouth he leaned far over in his saddle and plucked a leaf from an aloe plant. He squeezed sap out of the leaf and rubbed it across his parched cracked lips. The natural salve would help put some moisture back in them.

Turning in his saddle he looked back at the hoof prints that marked his trail across this waste land of the Llano Estacado. Damn high chaparral, he thought. The Staked Plains as they were called were nothing more than high desert. Most of the vegetation was Mesquite, tumbleweeds, Creosote bushes, and scrub brush with a few Palo Verdes dotting the landscape. There were also a few strands of Cottonwoods and Scrub Oak where springs or snow runoff from the mountains that ringed the plains came closer to the surface.

Closer to him, he looked at his pack horse. Poor animal's about done for; so am I he thought. If I don't find a water hole soon it might be best let the animal loose. Maybe he can find some water, graze a bit and make it.

He didn't know how close his pursuers were but he could feel them still back there; further behind every day but still following. "Must want me pretty bad to trail me into this God forsaken country," he told his horse. "I sure wouldn't ride across the Estacado if I didn't have to. Hell even the rattlesnakes give it a wide birth during the summer."

Reckon I better stop and let the horses rest a bit, he thought. Won't make much difference without water for them but with some rest Buddy might make it another day; Bowie was tired but still had a lot of bottom left in him. Rafe topped a small rise; it wasn't more than five or six feet high but in this flat land it seemed like a tall hill. His saddle bronc lifted its head and stared at a small stand of trees on the other side of the rise. The pack horse picked up his head too.

Rafe could feel his horse trying to veer toward the trees. "Okay Bowie, that's as good a place as any to rest," he said to his horse. "At least we'll get out of this damn sun for a spell."

Bowie was named after Jim Bowie, hero of the Alamo and Texas. Rafe and his family had lived in San Antonio for several years and the Texas patriot was still highly regarded even 40 years after his death.

He gave the horse its head and rode to the trees. The closer he got the more excited his horses became. Riding through the scrub trees toward the center of the stand Rafe saw the reason for their excitement. A small spring came to the surface in the middle of the trees. There was a shallow pool of water waiting for them.

A grin spread across his face and he sort of slumped in the saddle with relief. "Reckon we'll make it for a spell longer Bowie," he said as he patted his horse's neck. "Now I can't let you or Buddy drink too much too fast or it'll kill you. Understand?"

Rafe dismounted and carefully tied both horses to a cottonwood tree. He walked over to the water hole and stuck his head down into the water. Taking a couple of big drinks he filled his big Mexican sombrero with water and went back to the horses. He held the hat so his pack horse could drink. When the hat was about half empty he turned and gave Bowie his drink. He repeated bringing water to the horses three more times.

Rafe still had his Stetson tied with a piece of rawhide to his saddle horn. The very wide brimmed, high crowned sombrero was a better choice for riding in the sun on the desert like Estacado. He'd traded for the sombrero and food in a small unnamed Mexican village at the edge of the plains. The old vaquero he did business with gave him the sombrero when he learned where Rafe was headed.

After the last hat full of water Rafe soaked two bandanas and tied them across the horse's noses. Breathing the cool moist air would get some temperature relief into the horse's body a little quicker. It might keep them from foundering when he let them drink at the spring. He wet the bandanas several times as he unsaddled Bowie and the pack horse. Rafe rubbed the horses down with some buffalo grass that grew around the spring

"Okay Bowie, now behave," Rafe ordered his horse. "I'm gonna water Buddy first. He's a bit more done in than you are." The big horse nodded as if he understood. Rafe took the bandanas off the two horses and led Buddy to the pool.

He watered both horses being careful not to let them drink too much. Then he hobbled them and tied them with a long lead to some trees. This would let the horses graze on the grass growing around the spring without letting them get to the water again. Rafe took some of the aloe sap and worked it into a few cuts and scrapes on the horses that had been cause by the tough brush and cactus that grew on the Estacado.

"Ifin I don't tend to these cuts Bowie they could get infected and cause problems," Rafe told his big horse.

The horses were calmer now that they'd had some water and Rafe thought, now I can take care of me. He built a small shelter to hide the fire he lit. "No need to tell God and everybody where we are," he told Bowie.

Rafe took some the oats he carried for the horses, soaked it and some pieces of beef jerky in water. The oats and jerky softened and he boiled them with some wild onions to make a stew. It was the first hot meal he'd had for several days.

After finishing his 'feast', Rafe stripped out of his clothes. His shirt and pants were crusty with dirt and sweat. The shirt had big white circles under the arms and across the back. "Damn that feels good," he remarked after getting out of the foul clothing. "Feel like I had a dozen critters eatin on me the last few days."

Rafe took his pistol and walked downstream of the little pool and sat down in the runoff from the spring; washing the dirt and salt off his body. When he returned to the horses he got a relatively clean shirt a pair of denim work pants and his long johns out of the panniers on the pack saddle and got dressed. He returned his pistol, a Remington .44-40, to its hostler and strapped the gun belt around his waist again; he slid the weapon up and down in the hostler to make sure it would pull free if needed. "I've lost some weight Bowie," he said as he examined himself. "Reckon riding hard for days without eatin regular will do that."

Rafe was tall for the times at 6'2 and he normally weighed about 190. Being on the run had dropped his weight to around 170. He was whipcord thin with big hands and still as strong as a young bull. He was what some would call ruggedly handsome. The only flaw was a scar running down the right side of his face. On his first cattle drive when he was 15, Rafe had roped a steer that got itself trapped in a steep arroyo. He and his horse pulled the animal out and when Rafe leaned over to free his lariat the steer tossed its head and hooked Rafe. The wound wasn't serious but left a long jagged scar.

"First time I get a chance I'm gonna get a haircut," he said aloud to his horse. "Gonna have it cut real short like those Army fellars do. Can't stand it hangin down in my face."

His long dark hair was tied back with a piece of rawhide so it wouldn't cover his blue eyes. Rafe dressed and using his saddle as a back rest he relaxed after his meal and bath. Bowie would let him know if anyone or anything came close to the camp.

He pulled his Winchester '73from its scabbard and laid it next to him. The Winchester .44-40 and the Remington were both gifts from his grandfather on his 21st birthday. The pistol had ivory handles and the rifle had his name engraved on the side plate just below the loading gate.

Rafe remembered his grandfather laughing when he gave the guns to Rafe. "Won't be no doubt who owns those," his grandfather said pointing to his name on the rifle and the ivory handles.

As he drifted off to sleep, he thought about the last month and the reason for him being on the run.

********************

Rafe Cassidy was born and raised just outside of San Antonio. His Grandfather, William Cassidy had fought with the Texan army under Sam Houston at the Battle of San Jacinto in April of 1836. William had a brother, Jacob, who died defending Texas; another brother, Emmet, was killed at San Jacinto. Rafe's mother was Sarah Travis Cassidy; she was distantly related to William Travis who died at the Alamo. Others in Sarah's family had fought in the revolution also. The Cassidy clan was part and parcel of the Texas War of Independence from Mexico and Santa Anna.

Barrett Cassidy, named after William Barrett Travis, was a lot like his father William and raised his son Rafe to be the same fiercely independent type of man. Rafe was raised to stand up for what he believed in and damn the consequences. He had learned his lessons well.

In 1874, at the age of 22, Rafe left San Antonio for Fort Stockton. He had a good reason for leaving his home. Rafe had fallen in love with a young senorita, Juanita, but her father refused to let the two young people court. Instead Juan Mendoza arranged for the marriage of his daughter to a business associate.

Rafe was very upset and was going to confront both Juanita's father and her intended husband. His grandfather and his father stepped in and talked to the young man. William and Barrett admired and respected the Mexican people of San Antonio and their culture.

"You have to understand son this is their way of doing things," Barrett told his boy.

"We may not agree or understand it but we must respect the wishes of Juanita's father," William added.

Rafe was still fuming and paid little attention to the advice of his elders.

"What are you going to do when you see her father?" Barrett asked.

"I thought I could talk him into changing his mind about Juanita and me," Rafe answered.

"You won't change his mind boy," William replied. "Arranged marriages are part of the Mexican heritage. There isn't any way you'll change his mind." William paused and asked, "How does Juanita feel? Have you asked her what she wants to do?"

"She said she loves me but couldn't go against the wishes of her father." The youngster sighed and seemed to slump down in his chair. Then he sort of shook himself and stood. "Reckon I can't do anything, can I?"

His father and grandfather both shook their heads. "But if that store keeper hurts Juanita he'll answer to me," Rafe vowed. The two older men didn't argue with Rafe's bravado.

Rafe next saw Juanita in the general mercantile early on a Saturday morning three months later. He turned with the supplies he'd bought for the ranch and she walked into the store. Juanita didn't see Rafe at first and was talking to an older woman with her.

She don't look the same, Rafe thought. Her eyes used to sparkle and now they look dull and almost lifeless.

Juanita turned and saw Rafe. A big smile, quickly hidden, came over her face and her eyes lit up. The older woman had stepped to the back of the store. Juanita walked closer and said, "Buenos Dias Rafe. It's good to see you."

"Buenos Dias mi amiga. How are you Juanita?"

"I am well. We were friends weren't we Rafe?" She asked wistfully.

"Still are as far as I'm concerned Juanita."

Juanita smiled and started to say something but the older woman called, "Juanita, vengan a mi."

"Who's that?" Rafe asked not liking the looks of the woman.

"That's The Senora Ruiz. My mother," Juanita said with a frown. "I must go. It was good to see you Rafe."

Rafe nodded and watched Juanita rejoin Senora Ruiz. The Senora is sure givin Juanita an ear full, he thought.

Later that week Rafe was in the saloon, having a whiskey. He'd just driven 20 head of cattle to the stock yards and decided he deserved a drink before heading back home. He downed his drink and turned to leave. Three Mexicans block his way.

Rafe recognized the shorter man in the middle; it was Hector Ruiz, Juanita's husband. Those other two are here to back his play, he thought. The one on the right is a simple vaquero but the one on the left is a gun hand. His hostler is slung low and tied down.

"Senor Cassidy, I'm Hector Ruiz," the shorter man said. "Juanita's husband."

"I know who you are Ruiz," Rafe replied. "What do you want? Or did you come to buy me a drink?"

"You met Juanita in the general store on Saturday morning."

"Yeah, I did. It was nice to see her. Haven't seen her for quite a spell."

"You will refrain from talking to my wife again Senor," Ruiz ordered. Before Rafe could respond Ruiz continued, "Juanita goes to the mercantile every Saturday morning so you must do your business there at a different time."

Rafe chuckled and shook his head. He stopped chuckling and replied in a serious voice. "Senor I won't be told where and when I can do my business."

The vaquero looked at his employer but the gun hand never took his eyes off of Rafe. "You will do as I ask Senor or you will be chastised," Ruiz warned him.

"By this fellar here?" Rafe asked pointing to the man on the left.

"If necessary Ernesto will deal with you Senor Cassidy."

Ernesto was older than Rafe by ten years or so. He was tall and slender with delicate hands; a piano player's hands, or gun fighters. He wore his black hair long, tied in the back with a dark string fastened with a silver bolo tie. His gun belt was hand tooled with silver Conchos for decoration. It looked like a dude's outfit except for the hostler. It was well worn and showed signs of use.

"I am very good Senor," Ernesto said with a mocking smile. "Please listen to Senor Ruiz. I know of your family and admire them. I would not like to shoot you."

"Reckon we might as well step outside and get to it Ernesto," Rafe said with his own mocking smile. "As I said I won't be told what to do by Senor Ruiz, or you, or the Devil himself."

"No Senor Rafe. I will wait for instructions from my employer. But please don't test me. As I said I would dislike having to shoot you."

"You have been warned Senor," Ruiz said and turned to leave.

Later that day, Barrett asked his son about the run in with Ruiz.

"How did you hear about that?" Rafe asked.

"It's all over town about you and that Ernesto pawin at each other. What happened Rafe?" The young man told his father about the confrontation in the saloon.

"What are you going to do son?"

"I'll not be dictated to by Ruiz, or anyone else for that matter," Rafe replied. "I won't make a point of being at the general store on Saturday mornings but I won't shy away from it either."

Barrett nodded his head. He didn't have to like it but he understood his son's stance on the matter. If I were in his shoes I'd feel the same way, Barrett thought.

It was three weeks later that Rafe was in the store on a Saturday morning. Juanita walked in, again with her mother. This time she just nodded to Rafe but didn't approach him. Rafe returned the nod with a smile and left the store. He wouldn't back down from Ruiz or his man Ernesto but he didn't want to cause trouble for Juanita either.

Rafe had left his horse to be reshod. As he approached the blacksmith's Ruiz, Ernesto, and the second vaquero stepped into the street.

"I told you to stay away from Juanita, Senor Cassidy." Ruiz's face was red with anger. Ernesto stood with his arms folded and gave Rafe an insolent smile.

"Ruiz, all I did was nod good morning to her; I didn't even talk to her."

"I told you to avoid the mercantile on Saturday mornings," Ruiz said.

"And I told you I wouldn't be dictated to," Rafe responded.

Ernesto stood a little straighter and slowly unfolded his arms bringing his right hand closer to his pistol.

Looking at Ernesto Rafe said, "There's no need for this amigo."

The tall Mexican just shrugged his shoulders and looked at his employer. Rafe wasn't afraid of the gun fighter nor of Ruiz and the other vaquero. But he didn't see that a simple nod hello was reason enough for fighting. Taking a deep breath he tried one more time to avoid trouble.

"Senor Ruiz, I did no dishonor to Juanita or to you. I simply nodded hello to an old friend."

"So now that you have been confronted you will crawl away to avoid punishment. Like a coward in the night. Is that it Senor Cassidy?"

Rafe tensed and looked Ruiz in the eye. "I'm not crawling and no man calls me a coward." Looking at Ernesto for a few seconds Rafe continued, "Ruiz when I finish with your man here I will deal with you."

He lowered his hands to his side and said to Ernesto, "Let's get on with it."

"Please Senor, apologize to Senor Ruiz and give him your word you will do as he asks. I don't want to have to kill you," Ernesto requested.

The second vaquero straightened and started to move to the side. "Stay out of this Roberto," Ernesto ordered. "Senor Cassidy deserves to face the best."

As he gave the order to his companion, Ernesto's hand moved and pulled his pistol from the holster. He was very fast but Rafe was just as quick. Rafe drew his own weapon and the two men fired at the same time. Rafe was hit in the left shoulder and staggered a little. Regaining his balance he looked at the gunfighter.

"I told you I was good," Ernesto said pointing to Rafe's shoulder. Then he dropped his pistol and put his hand on the wound in his midsection. "But it seems you are just as good. My compliments Senor. Ernesto sagged and fell to the ground.

Rafe pointed his pistol at Roberto. "You want to play a hand in this Vaquero?"

Roberto shook his head and looked at Ernesto in disbelief. He had never seen the Jefe bested before. Roberto knelt to help Ernesto, leaving his employer to face this crazy Anglo. Ruiz's face turned white with fear as Rafe turned to him.

Rafe looked at Ruiz. He wanted so badly to punish this man but Ruiz was unarmed. "Next time I see you Senor you better be wearing a gun." Staring down at the wounded Ernesto he added, "Get a doctor for your man there. He don't deserve to die in the street." Rafe watched Ruiz hurry away toward the doctor's office and turned. He got on his horse and made it home before he collapsed on the front porch.

********************

At dusk Rafe got up and made a turn around the spring, listening and looking back over his trail for signs of his pursuers. If they made camp and didn't hide their fire he would be able to see it for miles. Of course if they made a cold camp or didn't stop at all he'd never see them in the dark. He ate the last of the oat and jerky stew and drank some more of the spring water. Then he checked on his horses, Bowie and Buddy. They already look better, Rafe thought as he led them to different trees so they could continue to graze on the wild grass.

He scratched Bowie behind his ears and thought some more about the events and actions that had led him to this oasis in the middle of the Estacado. "Dang near didn't make it back to the house," Rafe told Bowie. "Reckon I was too ornery to die." The big horse nodded and nudged Rafe to keep him scratching.

"That was a little before your time big guy. Dad and Ma got me into bed and sent a ranch hand for the doctor. Grandpa said he'd go, saddled his horse and kicked him into a gallop for town. Dad told me later that the doctor wanted to stay with Ernesto. Grandpa told the doctor that he was comin out to the ranch on his saddle or across it but he was coming."

Rafe chuckled remembering how mad the doctor was. "Grandpa could be persuasive when he wanted to be." He went back to his resting spot where his saddle laid on the ground.


Ride For The Sun Ch. 01



"It was close to three weeks before Ma would let me get up and around much," Rafe continued explaining to Bowie. "Once she'd let me ride I headed for town. It was a Saturday morning and Ma raised hell but I wouldn't stay home. She said I was gonna get shot again if I forced Ruiz's hand. My Pa told her I had to go to town or else I'd been shot for nothing."

Rafe shook his head. "You know the first person I saw when I went into the saloon was Ernesto. He sure looked drug out. He'd lost a lot of weight and was as skinny as a rail. A few streaks of gray had grown in his dark hair and he looked to be ten years older than when we'd tangled."

********************

Ernesto looked up as Rafe entered the saloon. He tensed and then relaxed showing a small smile. Ernesto motioned to the bartender and had two glasses of whiskey poured and put on the bar. He nodded at Rafe and offered a toast with one of the whiskeys.

Rafe had seen Ernesto when he cleared the swinging doors to the saloon. He hesitated and almost stopped but then saw that his old enemy was unarmed and was offering a drink to him. Rafe walked over to Ernesto, took the offered whiskey and nodded. Both men finished the whiskey with one long drink.

As Rafe turned to face Ernesto, Roberto stood by the table he'd be sitting at. "You may sit down Roberto," Ernesto ordered. "Senor Rafe is not here for trouble."

"Si Jefe," Roberto replied and sat back down.

"I am forced to have a companion to protect me while I heal," Ernesto explained. Touching his mid section he said, "Your bullet did a lot of damage Senor. It will be a time before I am myself again."

"Wasn't my choice Ernesto. I told you that fight wasn't necessary."

"Yes you did and I agree with you but I was under orders from my employer."

"Why did you fight if you agreed that I hadn't done anything wrong or dishonorable?"

"As I said I was following the orders of my employer." Ernesto could see that Rafe didn't really understand. "I gave my word and accepted payment to do what Senor Ruiz required of me. My word is my life Senor Rafe."

"So do I have to worry about facing you again when you're healed up? Will Ruiz send you after me again?" Rafe asked almost dreading the answer. He didn't want to have to kill this man.

"No, I don't work for Senor Ruiz anymore," Ernesto replied. "He wasn't happy with what I told the Sheriff when Ruiz wanted to have you arrested." Rafe gave him a questioning look. "I told the Sheriff that you were defending yourself and that it was a private matter."

Ernesto chuckled. "I'm going back to my village of Reynosa. I think maybe my days as a pistolero are over." He paused and continued with a warning. "But Senor Ruiz is not done with you yet amigo. He has hired two gringo gun fighters. I'm sure he will send them to meet you and these men have no honor. They will not face you but attack from the rear or out of the night. Prepare yourself."

Rafe nodded and motioned for two more whiskeys. He toasted Ernesto and drank his down.

"What will you do Senor Rafe?"

Shaking his head Rafe answered, "I don't rightly know just yet. Gracias. Vaya con Dios amigo."

Rafe turned and left the saloon. He mounted his horse and rode back to the ranch; his shopping trip for supplies forgotten. He was very quiet when he entered the ranch house.

"Where's the supplies you went for?" Barrett asked. He could see something was bothering his son.

"Reckon I forgot them. Somethin came up," Rafe answered.

"What's put a burr under you saddle son?"

Rafe told his father about the meeting with Ernesto and his warning.

"Maybe I ought to have a talk with Senor Ruiz," Barrett offered.

"No Pa, you'll just end up shootin him. I've got to figure this out on my own."

That evening at the supper table Rafe surprised his family. "I'm gonna ask Juanita to head to California with me."

His mother, Sarah, was the one who responded first. "You can't do that to her Rafe." At her son's puzzled look she continued, "You can't dishonor her like that son." Rafe started to object but Sarah held up her hand to stop him.

"She may not like her life but she gave her word; to her father, to her husband, and before God." Sarah took Rafe's hand and said, "Even if she agreed to go with you she would come to resent you over time. It would eat at her until she couldn't stand to be with you."

Putting her hand on his cheek Sarah added, "You have to let her go Rafe. You have to get her out of your heart."

Rafe nodded and left the table. He told his folks he was going to check on the horses and went to the barn. The real reason was to think about what to do. Rafe loved Juanita but in his heart he knew they couldn't be together.

Looking up at the stars he said aloud, "Reckon it's time for me to leave home." The tension and worry seemed to lift and he felt at peace for the first time since the gun fight with Ernesto. "I'll tell the folks in the morning."

At breakfast Rafe told his family of his plans to leave. "It'd be simpler to shoot Ruiz but he never carries a gun and I can't shoot him in cold blood. And if I stay here Ruiz will keep sending men at me and I'll have to kill somebody or they'll kill me."

"When you leavin boy?" Grandfather William asked.

Rafe shook his head and gave a small smile. "Think I'll leave by the end of the week. Should give me enough time to put together supplies and such."

Sarah tried to hide the tears that came to her eyes. She knew Rafe leaving was probably the best thing but even at 22 he was still her baby. Wiping her eyes she left the kitchen.

"She'll be alright," Barrett said to Rafe. "It'll just take her a little time getting used to the idea that you're grown." Barrett cleared his throat and asked, "Where you headed?"

"Don't rightly know. Reckon I'll head west and see where I end up. Maybe California."

A few days before he was due to leave, William called Rafe down to the barn. "What horses are you planning to take son?"

"Thought I'd take Buddy and one of the stock horses as a pack animal," Rafe answered.

"Buddy's a good mount," William offered. "But I don't think he's got the bottom to get you to California. Hold on a second."

William went into the barn and returned leading a big horse. The animal was almost 17 hands tall, with a deep chest and strong legs. But the most striking thing about the horse was his color. He was a Palomino with a creamy gold color coat and an almost white mane and tail.

"This'in got plenty of bottom," William said as he handed Rafe the lead rope. "Take care of him and he'll take you to hell and back. He's my gift to you boy."

Rafe was speechless. He stepped closer to the horse and stroked his forehead. "Thank you Grandpa." The youngster didn't know what else to say and stepped to his grandfather and hugged him.

William hugged him back for a few seconds and then coughed and stepped away. "You'll need to have a firm hand with him for a bit until he gets used to you. But he'll do you proud."

At first light, two days later Rafe mounted "Bowie" and with Buddy as his pack animal left his home. Barrett, Sarah and William waved good bye to him. They were all thinking the same thing. "This may be the last time we see each other."

********************

"And that's how you got drug into this Bowie," Rafe said to the big horse. He laughed at himself, "Never thought of it before but if people could hear the way I talk to you and Buddy they'd think I was loco."

Rafe watered the horses again. Lot of makin up to do for all those hard days without, he thought. I'll do a little scouting at daybreak and if I don't see any signs of that posse maybe I'll spend another night at this spring. As he led the horses back to the trees he continued to talk to them.

"Headed for Fort Stockton. Course you both know that. Figured I could catch on with one of the ranches there. Thought it would be a good place to start a new life. The mild winters make for good cattle ranching. Maybe after a couple of years I could get my own little place.

But it didn't work out that way."

********************

It took Rafe near twenty days to ride the 300 plus miles to Fort Stockton. He didn't push his horses and rode easy; resting for a day or two here and there along the way. When he finally rode into the town he was surprised. Fort Stockton wasn't the sleepy little town he'd heard about a year or so ago.

The town was growing up. It had a railhead and a lot of cattle were shipped back east. Rafe could see by the number of saloons in one part of the town that the cowboys liked to let off a little steam at the end of the cattle drives. Be a good place to get into trouble, he thought.

Rafe picked a small boarding house near the livery stable for his temporary home. He planned to spend a couple of days resting up from the long ride and then see about getting a job on one of the nearby ranches. His father had told Rafe to look up Alex Springer; an old friend of Barrett's. Alex owned a small ranch about ten miles west of Fort Stockton on the edge of the Llano Estacado. Even if Alex didn't need a hired hand he'd know who did.

Alex didn't need another ranch hand. "I'm full up until roundup next fall," he said. "Why don't you stay at the boarding house for a day or two and I'll talk to a few other ranchers for you?"

Rafe took the next two days looking around Fort Stockton. He talked to the owner of the general store, the barber, and a bartender at one of the saloons. Maybe one of them will hear about a ranch needing a cowboy, he thought. Men talked to each other at the store or the barber's and in the saloon.

On his third evening in town he visited one of the saloons after supper. I deserve a drink after my ride, he told himself. Rafe had one drink and a short beer and left the saloon. No need to go crazy, he thought. As he came out of the saloon he saw a young cowboy standing by Bowie.

The man ran his hand over Bowie's chest and down his front legs. He put his foot in the stirrup and started to mount up. Bowie kept sidling away from the man making it hard for him to climb into the saddle. The big horse didn't like strangers.

"Something I can do for you Mister?" Rafe asked. He didn't like the cowboy handling Bowie without at least asking.

The cowboy stepped back as Rafe walked in between him and the horse. "Appreciate it if you didn't get on my horse," Rafe said with a cold voice.

"Nice animal. Just wanted to see how he sat before I bought him," the young man said.

"He's not for sale," Rafe answered as he calmed Bowie.

"Sure he is. Everything's for sale for the right price. You don't understand. I'm Jason Sheldon," the man said. My Pa owns the Lazy S ranch; it's the biggest place in these parts. So I can afford to pay top dollar. How much you want for the animal?"

"You're the one that doesn't understand. My horse isn't for sale at any price," Rafe replied. He turned his back on Sheldon and untied Bowie.

"I want that horse Mister and I always get what I want. Now quit being stubborn and name a price," Sheldon ordered.

Two other cowhands that had been waiting for Sheldon stepped forward. They could see that Rafe was upset.

"C'mon Jason," the older of the two said. "Man don't want to sell his horse. Let's get back to the ranch."

"Stay out of this Bill," Sheldon ordered. "I'm gonna buy this fellar's horse."

"You got more horses than you can ride at the ranch," the other man said. "The man don't want to sell his horse."

"I'll tell you again, my horse ain't for sale. Now let me be," Rafe warned. Before he could mount Sheldon grabbed his shoulder and turned him around.

Rafe knocked Sheldon's hand off his shoulder and pushed him away. Turning to the two cowboys he said, "You better get control of your friend."

Sheldon tried to take Bowie's reins and said, "I'm buying this horse whether you like it or not."

Rafe tried hard to keep his temper. He didn't like the man's attitude or his actions. When Sheldon reached for the reins Rafe hit him with a short right hand, knocking him to the ground. Sheldon looked up from where he was laying on the ground with a red face. He quickly stood and faced Rafe.

"Nobody lays hands on me and gets away with it," Sheldon said and reach for the pistol on his hip.

Rafe was surprised that Sheldon would take things to this level but it didn't slow him down. He quickly drew and fired. The young cowboy yelled in pain and dropped to the street. Rafe turned toward Sheldon's companions. They both held up their hands indicating they weren't involved.

Stepping over to Sheldon, Rafe kicked his pistol away. He knelt down and looked at Sheldon's wound. "I hit him in the shoulder. Best get the doctor and sheriff," he ordered the two men.

They picked Sheldon up and walked him toward the doctor's office. As they left the Sheriff hurried over to them and then walked over to Rafe.

"He drew on me," Rafe told the lawman before he could say anything. "I was just defending myself Sheriff."

Three men that had come out of the saloon spoke up. "That's right Sheriff. Jason tried to buy this fellar's horse," one of them said pointing to Rafe. "Man didn't want to sell and Jason forced the point. Jason drew first." The other two men nodded their agreement.

"What are you doing in Fort Stockton, Mr....?" The Sheriff asked.

"Rafe Cassidy Sheriff. I was hoping to find work on a ranch."

"Well Mr. Cassidy I suggest you find work someplace else," the Sheriff said.

"But all I did was defend myself Sheriff," Rafe protested. "Don't seem right to run me out of town for defending myself."

"I'm not running you out. I'm just giving you some good advice son. Reece Sheldon won't like his boy being shot.

"Maybe Mr. Sheldon will understand when he finds out what happened," Rafe said.

The Sheriff shook his head. "Don't matter that Jason was wrong and had it coming; Reece will want to even the score. I can probably stop any gun play here in town but I got no jurisdiction outside the town limits. You'd be on your own."

"Reckon I can take care of myself Sheriff."

"Maybe so, if Reece came at you one on one. But he'll bring help with him," the Sheriff explained. "He's got a couple of gun hands working for him and he'll most likely send them after you the first time you ride out of town. He might have them brace you in town and they'll claim self defense."

Rafe shook his head. Hell all I wanted to do was get a fresh start, he thought.

"Son, you ought to ride out before Reece hears about this." Pointing to the west the Sheriff suggested, "Ride for the sun boy; while you still can."

Rafe nodded, mounted Bowie and went back to his boarding house. I'm not afraid but if I stay I'll probably have to kill someone, he thought. Reece Sheldon doesn't sound like the forgiving type. Don't mind fighting but not over something as stupid as a spoiled brat. Think I'll move on.

Back at the boarding house he collected his gear, went to the livery and got Buddy ready to travel. He rode west out of Fort Stockton toward Alex Springer's ranch. It was full dark when he rode into the clearing in front of Alex's house.

"Hello the house," Rafe called still sitting on his horse. "It's Rafe Cassidy, Mr. Springer."

Alex Springer opened his door and stepped out onto the porch. "Little late for calling ain't it Rafe?" he asked with a grin. "Get down and come on in."

Rafe stepped down and joined Alex on the porch. "Mr. Springer I've got a problem." He quickly explained about the run in with Jason Sheldon. "He drew on me Mr. Springer but the Sheriff said it wouldn't matter to his father. He said Reece would send men after me."

He stopped for a few seconds and then continued, "I'm not afraid Mr. Springer. I can take care of myself. But I don't want to kill someone over something like this. That's why I'm movin on."

"Okay Rafe, I understand. Reece Sheldon has run rough shod over this whole town for a long time. What can I do for you?"

"Would you send a telegram to my folks and explain what happened? Tell em I'm okay but on the run for a spell. I'll let em know when I get settled somewheres."

Alex nodded. "I'll ride in tomorrow and send the wire for you. Where you headed Rafe? You could stay for the night and get a start early?"

"No sir but thanks. I think I better hit the trail. Sides I wouldn't want the Sheldon's to come down on you if I was here. Reckon I'll head west for Arizona or California."

"You'll have to cross the Llano Estacado if you head due west. Be careful that's a nasty piece of land," Alex warned.

Rafe mounted Bowie, tipped his hat at Alex and left at a slow lope.

********************

"Reckon spendin all that time huntin when I was younger wasn't wasted," Rafe said to Bowie at daylight. He held up a rabbit. "Caught this fellar in the snares I set last night."

He skinned and cleaned the rabbit and put it on a spit over the low fire. Rafe added a few small branches to the fire and turned the spit. Bowie snorted and pawed the ground. "Don't look at me like that. I can't eat grass like you two."

After eating the rabbit, Rafe watered the horses again. Looks like they're about recovered from the hard riding during the last two days, he thought. Bowie was feeling better and danced a little as Rafe led him back to a different tree. The big horse pushed his head against his human wanting his ears scratched.

He made a warm mash out of the oats and fed the horses. "Sorry about having to run y'all for as long as I did but we were outnumbered too bad to stay and fight."

********************

Rafe rode Bowie at a fast walk after he left Alex Springer's place. When the full moon came up it gave enough light for him to ride a bit faster. He would ride at a slow lope for 20 minutes or so and then slow back to the fast walk for half an hour.

His plan was to ride due west from Fort Stockton through Van Horn and on to the Rio Grande. Then he wanted to follow it north to El Paso. From there he would ride north by northwest to Arizona. It was a little longer this way but he could stay along the edges of the Llano Estacado.

Rafe made his first stop at daybreak. He was going to rest his horses for an hour and then ride until midday. It was going to start getting hot and he would stop until dusk before starting west again. Rafe had just finished watering the horses when he saw about six riders in the distance coming hard.

He was on one of the high hills on the border of the desert like land and could see for many miles. Damn, didn't think they'd get after me this quick, he thought. They're sure not worried about tiring out their horses. The men had their mounts a full gallop. They stopped and walked the horse for a short time as they checked for Rafe's trail. A couple of times they had to look around to find the trail in the hard ground. Then they would continue riding hard.

Rafe had no doubt that the men were following him. "Course they don't have to worry about their horses," he said to Bowie. "They can take all the time they need to get back after they catch me. Well boys looks like we won't get that rest after all."

He tightened the saddle cinch on Bowie and the pack cinch on Buddy. The men across the plains were at least two hours behind him so he felt there was no need to panic and start running his horses. Rafe calmly mounted and put Bowie on the game trail down the hill.

As Rafe came down onto the plain he found a rock shelve that extended for miles. They'll figure I'm heading for Van Horn, he thought. But they'll have a hard time trackin me in this rock shale. I got to cross the Llano anyway might as well start today.

He pulled a copy of a map done by the Army back in '69 from his saddle bags. Reckon I can throw them off the trail if I turn northwest toward Pecos and then on into New Mexico, he thought. Rafe looked up at the rising sun and knew it was going to be a hot day; especially out on the Llano plain. "It'll be a four or five day ride in this heat, ifin I don't want to kill my horses," he said aloud. "Think I'll ride for a couple of hours and find a place to hole up until night. There'll be a Comanche Moon tonight and I can ride in the dark."




Ride For The Sun Ch. 01



Two days later he found the spring and decided to hole up for a spell.

********************

"Reckon we've laid around long enough," Rafe told his horses after another full day at the spring. He filled all three of his canteens, watered the horse one last time and at dusk headed out. "Should ride into Pecos about midday Bowie. I'll get you boys some real grain and me a decent meal when we get there. We'll rest for a night and then it's on to New Mexico."

Rafe wasn't far off with his time estimate. He was almost to Pecos when he got to thinking. If Sheldon's men got to Van Horn they'll realize I wasn't headed that way, he thought. They could send telegrams to other towns in these parts to see if a man on a Palomino had ridden through.

"Now it wouldn't be too smart to let them see us together would it Bowie? I doubt they'd recognize me but you stand out a bit," Rafe told his horse as he patted his neck. "Tell you what, we'll ride around Pecos and find a wash or a gulley or somethin to hide you in. I'll ride Buddy into town, get some supplies, and see if anyone is lookin for us. " Rafe chuckled as the horse shook his head. "Don't worry I'll bring you back some grain and molasses as a treat."

Rafe found a deep wash at the bottom of a small hill and hid Bowie in a stand of Palo Verde. He hobbled the horse and tied him off to one of the trees so he could graze on the sparse vegetation. Rafe fed Bowie the last of the oats and gave him water. Bowie was less likely to raise a fuss now that he was fed and watered.

Riding slowly Rafe entered Pecos. He bought a feed bag of oat mash for Buddy from the livery stable, put it on the horse and tied him to the hitching rail in front of a saloon. The horse could eat while Rafe had a meal in the saloon and listen to the men gossip like old women. As he sat at a table eating a boot tough steak the town Marshal came into the saloon.

The Marshal made a circuit of the room, leaned against the bar, and got a beer. Then he saw Rafe sitting at the table. He walked over and sat down across from Rafe. "Mind if I join you?" The Marshal asked. "I'm Tom Stoddard, the Town Marshal. And you'd be?"

Swallowing a piece of the chewy steak Rafe answered, "I'm Sam Talbert Marshall."

"Are you passin through or you gonna stay a spell?"

Rafe looked at Stoddard before he answered. The man was short and squat but he had an air of confidence about him. He'd be a hard man to cross Rafe thought.

"Just passin through," Rafe replied. "Headed down back home to Odessa."

"Names Talbert you say?" Marshal Stoddard asked with a sarcastic tone. Rafe nodded. "Got a telegram from Sheriff Joe Harris over to Fort Stockton; we've been friends for close to 20 years you know. Said a fellar got into it with the son of Reece Sheldon, the big he bull in those parts. Said this fellar had to shoot the boy in self defense." The Marshal looked at Rafe to see his reaction.

William Cassidy had taught his grandson how to play cards and to keep a poker face. Rafe put that lesson to good use and didn't react to the Marshal.

"Joe said this fellar was dealt a bad hand but that he, Harris I mean, couldn't do anything about it," the Marshal continued. Said he advised this fellar to leave town."

"That's an interesting story Marshal. But it's got nothing to do with me," Rafe said.

The Marshal ignored Rafe's statement. "Joe said this fellar, name of Rafe Cassidy, had a scar on the right side of his face. Said he was riding a big Palomino stallion and carried an ivory handled Remington." Looking into Rafe's eyes the Marshal observed, "Now I didn't see no Palomino tied up outside Mr. Talbert but I did see a sorrel that looks like he's been travelin hard." Pointing to Rafe's pistol he added, "But that there is a ivory handled six shooter. Not to mention that scar of yourn. "

Rafe looked around to see if anyone else had heard the Marshal. He tensed and was about to stand and leave. The Marshal held up his hand and motioned Rafe to stay seated.

"Reason I'm tellin you all this Mr Talbert, is so you can keep a look out for this fellar on the Palomino. That Reece Sheldon has put a $500 reward out for him. Saw the telegram posted at the telegraph office myself. It's also posted in most of the businesses in town. Thought if you spotted him you might make yourself a lot of money." The Marshal took a drink of his beer and stared at Rafe for a few seconds.

"It's for sure that others are gonna be looking for this fellar; $500 is more than a year's wages to most." Looking around the Marshal lowered his voice. "If you was figuring on stayin a spell you might want to change your mind Mr. Talbert. Maybe head on home to Odessa."

Three cowboys standing at the bar were watching the Marshal and Rafe closely. They would stare at Rafe and then talk among themselves. Marshal Stoddard stood.

"Let me show you the road to Odessa Mr. Talbert," the Marshal said in a loud voice. Loud enough that the three cowhands could hear him. "You'll have daylight for another 5 or 6 hour and you can get in a lot of miles before night fall." Stoddard could see the three men relax.

"Believe we threw those three in the saloon off your trail," Stoddard said softly to Rafe as they left the saloon. "At least for now anyway."

"Thank you Marshal."

Out in the street Marshal Stoddard made a suggestion. "I understand you can't head back east and those telegrams said you was headed west. Were me I'd ride northwest to New Mexico. Maybe up to Roswell. That trail is across the Estacado but with nobody chasin you and ridin easy you can make it in 10 days or so. You can head west from there." Marshal Stoddard shook hands with Rafe and added, "Course that's just an old trail hand's opinion. Take it easy Rafe."

Rafe rode east on the trail to Odessa and stopped at a Mexican store and cantina on the outskirts of Pecos. He picked a few supplies and continued east until Pecos was out of sight; then he turned back toward the gulley where he'd left Bowie. He switched his saddle back to the big Palomino and put the pack saddle back on Buddy. Rafe headed northwest toward New Mexico and Roswell.

********************

Marshal Stoddard was right, Rafe thought as he rode into Roswell. It was ten days on the trail. He rode to the livery and stabled his horses. Before he put them in their stalls he unsaddled and washed them down. They had a lot of alkali dust on them.

"Give em a good corn mash Mister," Rafe ordered as he paid the stable hand. "We've come a long way and got a long way to go. Those two are my best friends in this world so take good care of them for me."

"Gonna be here long Mister?" The livery man asked. "If y'all gonna stay for a few days, I'll put your horses in stalls that open into the corral. That way they won't be cooped up in a small space." The man smiled. "Being they're your best friends and all."

"How much extra will this concern for my friends cost me?" Rafe asked with an answering smile.

"Extra dollar a day for the pair ought to handle it, Mister....?"

Rafe caught himself about to give his real name. No need to advertize that I'm here, he thought. "Talbert, Sam Talbert. Reckon I'll be here for a couple of days so go ahead and put them in the bigger stalls. I'll settle up with you when I leave."   "I'm Jake, Mr. Talbert. I'll take good care of em for you," the livery man said. He turned to put Bowie and Buddy into their special stalls. "Bad Lands Café down the street yonder serves a right nice supper if you're hungry."

Rafe nodded his thanks and walked to the café. "Reckon I deserve a good meal too," he said aloud.

A big jolly woman met him at the door as he entered the café. "Have a seat anywhere you like young man. I'll be right with you," she said.

Rafe sat down and the woman brought a cup and coffee pot to his table. She sat the cup in front of Rafe filled it and said, "Steak, fried potatoes, corn on the cob, and apple pie are the special tonight. Or I can fix you something else."

"The special will be fine ma'am," he answered with a grin. She reminds me of Ma, he thought. Waiting for his supper he thought about his folks and got a little homesick.

He'd made arrangements with the livery to sleep in the loft and after supper he returned to the stable. Rafe could have afforded better accommodations but thought he'd better save as much of his stake as he could. He had close to $300 given to him by his family before he left home. There was also a bank draft for one thousand dollars from his Grandpa. Another gift to help Rafe start his new life. It's a long way to California, he said to himself. Reckon I'll hole up for three or four days and let Bowie and Buddy rest up. Won't hurt me to take it easy for a spell either.

Rafe had just sat down in the café for the third night in a row. Emma the waitress and owner came over to the table with coffee and told him the special of the day. As he finished his supper of pork chops, corn, and potatoes a big man with a star on his chest sat down at his table.

The lawman was close to 6' 4 with a big body to go with his height. He carried a short double barreled scatter gun known as a coach gun. It was usually used by armed guards on stage coaches and freight wagons.

"Howdy. I'm Henry Johnson the Town Marshal," he said with a smile and laid his shotgun on the table in front of him. Rafe nodded but didn't offer his name.

"Got a story to tell you son," Marshal Johnson continued. "Jimmy tolt me about a interesting telegram he got today."

"I don't know a Jimmy or about any telegram Marshal," Rafe replied.

"Jimmy's the operator at the telegraph office," Johnson explained ignoring Rafe's comment. "Anyway he said he got a telegram from Pecos talkin about a Rafe Cassidy passin through there. It described this Cassidy and his horse pretty good. Said the man rode a cream colored Palomino. Said he had dark hair and was sorta tall. Also said he had a scar runnin down the right side of his face."

The Marshal gestured at a biscuit on Rafe's plate. Rafe nodded and Johnson picked it up and took a bite. Emma brought the Marshal a cup of coffee and went back to the kitchen.

"The message was to a Ralph Colbert. He's sort of a bounty hunter and hired gun that works out of Roswell sometimes. Seems some man named Reece Sheldon is offering $500 for the capture and return of this Cassidy to Fort Stockton." Johnson paused and shook his head. "Cassidy must of done something pretty bad to have a private citizen offer a reward for him."

Rafe still didn't respond to the Marshal but he did lean back in his chair to free up his pistol and his gun hand. He picked up his cup of coffee with his left hand and took a drink. "Could be that this private citizen has a vendetta against this Cassidy fellar," Rafe offered.

"Don't lean too far back in the chair son," Marshal Johnson said as he slowly put his hand on the butt of scattergun on the table. "You might fall over and hurt yourself."

Rafe looked the Marshal in the eye and after several seconds relaxed. Johnson nodded. "I know you're Cassidy and I know you've been here for three days." At Rafe's surprised look he added, "I like to know what's goin on in my town."

Johnson raised his empty cup to Emma. She came and refilled both cups and went back to the kitchen. "Like I said I know you been here a spell but I think it's time for you to ride on." Rafe started to speak but Johnson held up his hand.

"I don't want no trouble in my town. You don't have the looks of a man that'll just let Colbert take you back. Innocent people in my town could get hurt if you two face off. I ain't gonna have it. Ride on son. Please."

"You could tell this Colbert to leave Marshall," Rafe said with a little anger. "I've done nothing to be run out of town."

"Now don't get on the prod with me. I intend to talk to Colbert later tonight over at the saloon and give him the same suggestion." Johnson took a drink of his coffee. "Look Cassidy, I won't make you leave but if you and Colbert tangle and someone in town gets hurt I'll arrest whoever is left standin. I don't think you'd like the jails in New Mexico."

Rafe sat for about 30 seconds thinking about the Marshal's request. "Why are you warning me Marshal? This is the third time a lawman has done that."

"Can't speak for the others but I don't like people takin the law into their own hands," Johnson answered. "If there was a warrant on you, I'd arrest you and send a telegram telling em to come and get you. But I have a hard time lettin some rich rancher decide that he's above the law."

Emma brought two pieces of pie to the table surprising both men. "You boys look much too serious. Have some pie and relax," she ordered with a smile. Both men nodded and took a bite of the apple pie.

"I'll leave in the morning Marshal," Rafe said. "I was planning on movin on anyway. But..."

"But what Rafe?"

"If Colbert or anyone else tries to take me back, I'll defend myself," Rafe answered. Johnson nodded. "I'll leave at daybreak," Rafe added.

As Rafe saddled Bowie the next morning, Marshal Johnson rode up to the livery stable. "Thought I ride with you for a spell," he said. "I talked to Colbert last night and he said he was leavin too." Johnson chuckled but said in a serious voice, "Don't want you two crossin paths this morning."

"Where you headed?" Johnson asked as they rode toward the edge of Roswell.

"Reckon I'll head to California," Rafe answered. "Never been there and I hear there's good land for the settlin. Thought I'd get a job with one of the ranches and maybe end up ownin my own place one of these days."

"Oh hell," Johnson said. He pointed with his chin toward a man sitting on a horse waiting for them just outside of the town limits. "That's Colbert; reckon he decided he'd brace you outside of my jurisdiction."

Johnson rode in front of Rafe and confronted Colbert. "Thought I told you to let it be Colbert."

"Marshal I followed your orders and didn't start anything in town," Colbert replied. "But you got no say out here." Turning to Rafe he ordered, "Reece Sheldon wants you back at Fort Stockton Cassidy. Drop your pistol and your rifle boy and come peaceful."

He's a hard one, Rafe thought as he looked at the man that wanted to take him to Sheldon. Reckon Colbert's about my height but he's probably got thirty pounds on me. Wears his pistol tied low on his hip; Yep he's a gun hand alright. This man won't back down.

Rafe guided Bowie out from behind the Marshal. "Don't reckon I'll let you take me back Colbert. You that hard up for money that you got to do Sheldon's bidding?"

"Man's gotta make a livin and I don't cotton to pushin cattle," Colbert answered. "I'll tell you one more time put down your guns."

"Gettin killed ain't much of a way to live Mister," Rafe replied.

Colbert pulled his pistol but his horse shied at the sudden movement. Bowie was better trained and didn't move as Rafe pulled his Remington and shot Colbert. The man fell over the rump of his horse to the ground.

Marshal Johnson had watched the fight. He got off his horse and looked at the man on the ground. Colbert had a wound in the middle of his chest. "Reckon he was dead before he hit the ground," Johnson said. "Good thing his horse acted up Rafe."

"Didn't make a difference Marshal. I'd already cleared my holster before he brought his gun up." Rafe rode closer and shook his head. "He was dead the minute he came out here to face me."

"Bit of braggin there don't you think?"

"No sir. My grandpa William taught me to shoot. He was a pretty good gun hand and a lawman before he met my Grandma."

"You're William Cassidy's grandson?" Johnson asked. "Hell I heard tell about him when I was grownin up in DeWitt, Texas. Didn't they call him Pistol Bill when he was the Bexar County Sheriff?"

"Yes sir they did," Rafe said with a smile. "Called him that because he wore two guns and wasn't afraid to use them."

Johnson looked down at Colbert's body. "Y'all head out Rafe. I'll take care of this."

"Would you do something for me Marshal?" Johnson nodded. "Send a telegram to my folks in San Antonio and let them know I'm okay and that I'll write them when I get settled somewheres."

Johnson nodded again and Rafe mounted Bowie. He touched his hat brim in a salute, turned westward and continued his ride for the sun.

To be continued.



Ride For The Sun Ch. 02



Please read Chapter 1. It will help continue the flow of these characters and events.

As usual constructive comments, critiques, and emails are welcome and appreciated. 

********************

"Would you do something for me Marshal?" Henry Johnson nodded. "Send a telegram to my folks in San Antonio and let them know I'm okay and that I'll write them when I get settled somewheres." 

Johnson nodded again and Rafe mounted Bowie. He touched his hat brim in a salute, turned westward and continued his ride for the sun.

********************

Rafe Cassidy rode until midday when he found another stand of cottonwoods on the flat Estacado that stood out like a beacon and stopped to rest his horses, Bowie and Buddy. He'd been holding the horses at a slow lope for half an hour at a time for most of the morning then slowed to a walk for half an hour to rest the horses some. This little oasis didn't have a pool of free standing water like the last one but the sand around a big rock was very wet. He used his metal eating plate to dig a large hole which slowly filled with water.

Unsaddling both animals Rafe wiped the sweat from their coats and let them drink. The water was dingy and sandy but it was fine for the horses. Rafe took a drink from one of his canteens. A little later he fed the horses some grain and then let them graze.

"We'll stop for a couple of hours and then ride until dusk," he told his horses. They continued to graze and ignored him. "You two sure ain't very talkative," Rafe said with a grin.

While the horses grazed, Rafe put a bandana over the spout of one of his canteens. Then he used a coffee cup to fill his canteen. The cloth bandana filtered out most of the sand and dirt so the water, if not clean, was drinkable.

About an hour later, first Bowie and then Buddy raised their heads and looked east. Rafe noticed the horse's interest and pulled his Winchester. I reckon another bounty hunter could be on my trail, he thought. Rafe walked to the edge of the stand of cottonwoods and looked back over the trail. 

The land was so flat that he could see a couple of miles or more before the shimmering heat waves obscured his vision. He saw one rider coming at a fast trot. As the figure got closer Rafe recognized Marshal Johnson.

Rafe stepped into the open and waved. Johnson rode over and dismounted. "Can't offer you coffee Marshal, I'm running a cold camp." Holding out his canteen he added, "But I can offer you some slightly gritty spring water."

"No thank ye. I've got two canteens of good water of my own," Johnson replied. "Came out to give you some news."

"What news?"

"Seems like your running days are over." Johnson chuckled at the puzzled look on Rafe's face. "Reece Sheldon has more problems plaguing him than you. Seems he was throwin a wide loop and got caught brandin other people's cattle and runnin them to market."

"Couldn't happen to a nicer fellar," Rafe said with a small grin. "I don't have much sympathy for the Sheldons."

"He's was sent to the Texas state prison in Huntsville. Now Reece ain't in any position to pay a reward for you. The state attached all his property." Johnson offered Rafe his canteen and as he drank the Marshal continued, "His son, Jason is it, sent out telegrams callin off the reward. Guess he doesn't want to have to pay out the $500 from his own pocket."

"Reckon the fight upset Reece more than the boy," Rafe said and shook his head. "Never can tell about folks."

Johnson looked at the youngster for a minute. "You know you can head back to Fort Stockton now ifin you want."

Rafe shook his head. "Fort Stockton was just a layover for a spell."

"Well you could go back home then," the Marshal suggested.

"No sir I can't. If I go home I'll be right back in the fightin." 

"Sorry Rafe, I don't understand," Johnson said. "You got no one chasin you now. Why can't you go home?" 

Rafe looked down for several seconds. Then he told the Marshal about Juanita, her father, and Ruiz. "If I go back Ruiz will keep sending men after me. I'll end up killing him or getting killed and my family would get involved. Grandpa and Pa wouldn't let anyone run roughshod over me." Rafe chuckled and added, "Nor would my Ma. And she'd be the one they'd have to worry about."

He raised his head and looked at the Marshal. "I'm not a coward and I'll fight when I have to but the only way to stop Ruiz hiring men to come after me would be to kill Ruiz. And if I do I still won't have Juanita." Sighing Rafe added, "So I'll make a life for myself somewheres else. 

"Where will you go son?"

"West, I reckon. Hear there's good land in California," Rafe answered. "Maybe I can find a place of my own." He shook hands with Marshal Johnson. "Thanks for your concern and thanks for bringing me the news. You've been a good friend Henry. Now you take it easy gettin back to Roswell. Don't want to ride your horse into the ground."

"I'm in no hurry now. You take care of yourself Rafe." Johnson handed Rafe one of his two canteens, mounted, and rode back toward Roswell.

********************

Rafe rode at an easy clip as he headed west. He had no one following him or on his trail so he wasn't in a hurry. Rafe still hadn't decided on his final destination. Every day he thought a little less about Juanita and more about what was over the next rise or might be at the end of the trail.

He rode southwest from Roswell to Ruidoso skirting the Llano Estacada. Ruidoso was surrounded by mountains in the middle of Lincoln County. It was beautiful country and a good place to raise cattle. But Rafe heard about the trouble brewing between two men named Murphy and Tunstall. There was gonna be fighting between the Murphy-Dolan faction backed by Sheriff Brady and John Tunstall who had Billy the Kid and others riding with him. No need for me to get involved, he thought and continued west. 

Rafe crossed the Magdalena Mountains and his trail cut the Rio Grande. He was finally out of the Estacada and into a more hospitable land. He caught up with a wagon train traveling along the river and hired on as a guard. The wagons were headed to a little settlement called Show Low in Arizona. Three large families and eight wagons made up the group. The families had joined together and bought a large ranch just outside of Show Low.

What they need is a nursemaid, Rafe thought on the fourth day of the journey. I've never saw so many folk that know so little about horses and wagons. It was slow going for the wagons as they made their way over mountains and learned what was needed to travel a long distance by wagon. By the second week on the trail things got better and their trip went a little faster. The wagon train was making twelve to thirteen miles a day.

It was coming on to mid October before the wagons arrived in Show Low. The wagon master offered Rafe a job on the ranch but Rafe didn't want to ride in cold country. Even though Show Low was more like the high plains Rafe had been told about the cold freezing weather in the surrounding mountains. Show Low got little rain or snow from the mountains but did get cold winds that swept across the flat land. Sounds like a northern back home in Texas.

One member of the families, who had been on the original scouting trip to the area, suggested Rafe try Prescott Arizona. "The area has several cattle ranches and the weather isn't as severe as Show Low," the man told him. "There's a ranch called Eagle's Nest about a day's ride out of town that's always lookin for good hands. I met the owner a couple of years ago. Man named Randal; look him up if you get there." 

Rafe thank the farmer and the man continued, "Be careful comin down off the Mogollon Rim this time of the year," the rancher told Rafe. "It's five thousand feet and can be tricky if the weather turns bad. I'd say the best way would be to head west to General Crook's Trail and follow it down to the Verde Valley. You can rest up at Camp Verde and then head due north to Prescott."

********************

General Crook's Trail meandered along the high bluffs of the Mogollon Rim. Sure glad I followed Crook's Trail, Rafe thought as he came down out of the mountains into the Verde Valley. Got lucky the weather held. Would have been real interestin in the rain or snow. 

Sure is pretty country, Rafe said to himself; but it'd be damn cold in the winter. Lots of snow too I bet. Weather's a lot warmer down here in the valley, more like the hill country back home. He pulled his horses to a stop in front of the Camp Verde livery stable and dismounted. He arranged food, water, and a stall for his horses. 

"Know a place I can stay for a night or two?" Rafe asked the stable hand.

"Depends on how fancy you wanta get Mister. The hotel is a fine place from what I've heard. There's a couple boarding houses or if you're not picky you can sleep in our loft." The man smiled and added, "Course there'll be an extra charge for the use of our loft. Four bits will cover it."

Rafe returned his smile. "Reckon if the stable's good enough for Bowie and Buddy, ought to be good enough for me." He handed the man the money for the horses and his 'bed'. "Now if there's no charge can you tell me where I can get a good meal?"

"Café down yonder serves a good supper."

Rafe finished his supper and went next door to the saloon for his first drink of whiskey in over two months. I sure do deserve this, he thought as he drank. Reckon I better stay put for a while and rest Bowie and Buddy. Won't do any harm to rest me either.

I left home in late May and now it's October, he continued thinking. Never thought I'd be on the trail for that long; or cover as much ground as I have. I'm not a coward. Could have stayed put at home but I'd be always shootin someone or gettin shot at. My family would have gotten involved in the fightin and I still wouldn't have Juanita. Could have stayed in Fort Stockton but it seems just plumb loco to have to fight over some stupid spoiled son of a rich rancher. 

Rafe got a second whiskey. Better make this the last one tonight or I'll start feelin sorry for myself. He looked down the bar and saw an older man leaning against it with a bandage on his leg that ran from his knee down to his ankle. The big man had a beer in front of him and two crutches leaning next to him.

"How you gonna work the roundup Everett?" The bartender asked as he gave the man a fresh beer.

"Don't rightly know," Everett answered. "Molly and Emma can do some of the work but I need a good wrangler to help out." He took a small drink of his beer. "But it's so late in the season most all the cowboys have already signed on to a ranch. There's nobody to hire."

Rafe thought as the men continued to talk. Reckon I could winter here and head out come spring, he told himself. Workin a roundup along with my stake should get me through until spring. Rafe walked down the bar toward the older man.

"Excuse me sir," Rafe said. "I couldn't help but overhear you talking. I'm Rafe Cassidy and I'm looking for a job. Gonna winter in Camp Verde and could use the money. Been working cattle and horses since I was twelve or so. I know which end of a steer to rope and which end to slap with a lariat."

"I'm Emmett Riley," the man said. "I reckon two Irishmen ought to get along. Tell me a little about yourself Rafe. Where you from?"

"Just got in from Show Low. Rode guard for a wagon train from Socorro New Mexico," Rafe explained. "Didn't want to winter up in those mountains so I came down here."

"That's a far piece Rafe. You from Socorro?"

"No sir. I was in Roswell before that," Rafe answered.

"That's near 350 miles," Emmett said almost in wonder.

"Closer to 400 miles," Rafe said. "Mr. Riley there are some things about me you should know."

"All right son. Tell me your story," the older man replied.

Rafe told Emmett about Juanita and why he had to leave San Antonio. He continued his story telling Emmett about Fort Stockton, the Sheldon's, and Reece Sheldon putting a price on his head. Finally he explained about Reece going to prison and his son calling off the bounty. 

"I had to kill a man that tried to take me back to Fort Stockton," Rafe said. "Too bad the bounty wasn't canceled before that. I just thought you oughta know who you're hiring." He paused and added, "You can telegraph Marshal Johnson over to Roswell Mr. Riley," Rafe suggested. "He'll vouch for me."

Riley looked over the young man in front of him. Emmett considered himself a good judge of men. I think this one seems to be a good bet. "No need Rafe," Emmett said. "You didn't have to tell me about your troubles. The fact that you did, tells me the type of man you are."

Motioning to the bartender Emmett said, "Give us a couple of beers here Charley. Do believe I've found the wrangler we need."

Rafe and Emmett saluted each other with the mugs of beer.

"I'm stayin in town tonight. It's hard to ride with this leg, even in a wagon. Come out to the R Bar R with me in the morning and we'll talk about a job for you. If you don't like the place or the pay you can have a good lunch and come back to town."

"R Bar R Mr. Riley?" Rafe asked.

"That's the name of our place out west of town," Emmett explained. "And callin me Mr. Riley or sir just don't fit. Name's Emmett." 

Early the next morning Rafe, mounted on Bowie followed Emmett's wagon out of Camp Verde. They took what Emmett called the river road and headed west of town.

"Sure is a good looking animal you're riding Rafe," Emmett said admiring Bowie.

"He was a gift from my grandfather when I left home," Rafe replied patting the big horse on the neck. "That the Verde?" Rafe asked. 

The Verde River was lined with cottonwoods, a few white oaks, and the first sycamore trees Rafe had seen since he left San Antonio. The land stretching away from the river toward the mountains was lush with bushes and grass. Great clumps of buffalo grass also dotted the landscape. Good range land for cattle, Rafe thought.

"Yep, that's the Verde," Emmett said. "Looks peaceful enough now but in the spring with the snow melt from up on the Rim it gets real rambunctious. Not safe to cross it during the spring. That's one reason most of the town is built on the uphill side of the river."

"Yeah, the San Antonio River back home is the same way," Rafe replied. "Course we don't have mountains up close like you do here about." 

About eight miles along the river there was a big cottonwood tree growing next to a rock outcropping. They turned north at the tree and went another three miles before they got to Emmett's ranch. The house backed up to the base of a tall rock butte. The house would be protected from the cold North winds coming down off the Mogollon Rim. Two women came out of the house to greet them as they stopped.

Must be the Molly and Emma I heard Emmett talkin about, Rafe thought. At first glance the women looked to be sisters. One was older and told the younger one to help Emmett down off the wagon. She may be older but not by much, Rafe thought.

"Hi Daddy. I'm glad you're back," the younger woman said.

"Hello Emma," he responded. "Help your old father down will ya?" He used Emma's shoulder to steady himself and climbed off the wagon. "Hi Honey," he greeted the older woman. "Y'all do okay while I was gone?"

"We did fine," she replied. "Hope you didn't spend too much time in the saloon last night."

Emmett chuckled and turned to Rafe. "Why is it that when you marry a woman she thinks you ought to give up all the things you enjoyed when you was single and running free?"

Reckon I was wrong about them being sisters, Rafe thought. He smiled at the obvious love between Emmett and his wife. He shrugged his shoulders. "Don't rightly know Emmett but my Ma rules the house too. Pa said he thought he was done takin orders when he got out of the army."

"This is my wife Molly and our daughter Emma. Ladies this is Rafe Cassidy. He's looking for a job and a place to winter," Emmett said. Smiling at the women he added, "Just so happens we have need of a wrangler until my leg heals." 

The family resemblance between Molly and Emma is easy to see, Rafe thought. Molly's about 5' 6, she's slender but looks strong. As Molly brushed her strawberry blond hair out of her face he could see her green eyes. Emma's just a younger version of her mother, Rafe continued his thought. Her hair's a little darker but she's got the same eyes. He surprised himself with his next thought. Eyes that could bind a man to her. 

"Welcome to our home Rafe," Molly said. 

"Emma, why don't you give Rafe the five cent tour of the ranch?" Emmett suggested. Turning to Rafe he said, "When y'all get back Molly will feed you that lunch I mentioned and we'll talk about the job."

Nodding, Emma went to the corral and got her horse. Motioning to Rafe she rode to the west of the house. It was more than a half an hour before she spoke.

"This is the west boundary of our place. It runs from the foot of that mountain yonder down to the Verde," Emma informed Rafe. "Pretty much the same on the east side of the ranch."

"How much land do y'all have?" Rafe asked.

"We've got a deed for a thousand acres. Got grazing rights on another thousand on to the west and across the Verde," she answered. Emma turned her horse to return to the ranch house. She stopped while Rafe sat on Bowie and looked over the land. "You comin?" Emma asked.

Rafe looked at Emma for a few seconds. "I do somethin to make you mad Miss Riley?"

"No. I'm sorry, it's not you. I can do all the work but Daddy thinks I need help." Emma stopped and gave Rafe a small grin. "I don't think he realizes his little girl is full grown."

"Herdin cattle is tough work." Rafe held up his hand as Emma started to argue. "Not saying you can't do it but two people would make it easier."

Emma turned her horse, put him into a lope and headed back. Rafe shook his head and grinned. " Don't think I convinced her," he said aloud and followed her.

"You can wash up at the pump out back," Emmett said as Rafe dismounted in front of the ranch house. "Then come on in and we'll see if Molly remembers how to cook." Molly swatted at Emmett's shoulder and went back into the house.

"That's the best meal I've had since I left home Mrs. Riley," Rafe said as he finished eating. "Thank you." 

Molly nodded and Emmett said, "Let's talk about the job Rafe. Normal pay is $40 a month and found."

"Daddy I told you I can do the work," Emma interrupted. "We don't need to hire anyone." Turning to Rafe she added, "No offense intended Mr. Cassidy."

"None taken Miss Riley. How do you plan on doing the ropin and brandin all by your lonesome?"

"I plan to sink a snubbing post into the ground. You know what that is I assume; like we have in the corral. I'll rope the steer and drag it over and take a turn around the post. Then I'll tie him off and heel rope the steer and pull it to the ground. When he's down I'll put the branding iron to his hide." Emma smiled as she finished; sure that she'd solved the problem.

Rafe gave her a smile. "Sounds real complicated Miss Riley. You plan to leave your heel horse to hold tension on the line without a rider do you?" Not waiting for an answer he continued, "I've had a lot of cow ponies but never seen one that could think on its own."

Emma puffed up, ready to argue. "Plus you'll have to gather all the cattle near the snubbin post or you'll have to dig holes all over the ranch movin that post. Even if you got the brandin done before the snow comes, how are you gonna get them to market? Takes more than one person to drive a herd of any size."

"The boy's right Emma," Emmett said. "Using a post won't work with cattle. And branding takes more than one person. He's right about the cattle drive too."

"Three should about do it I think," Rafe offered. "Miss Riley you and I can herd the cattle, rope and tie them and Mr. Riley can put the hot iron to them."




Ride For The Sun Ch. 02



"But Daddy can't ride and it'll be too hard on his leg to work all day," Emma protested.

"He won't be ridin, we'll bring the cattle to him and the brandin iron," Rafe explained. "Emmett can rest a bit in between cattle."

"I can help and let Emmett rest a bit," Molly said. Seeing the look on her daughter's face she added, "Don't look so shocked Emma. Your father and I ran this ranch for quite a spell before you came along."

"Reckon with all this talk you're gonna take the job Rafe," Emmett said. 

"Been thinkin along those lines Emmett," Rafe replied. "With your permission Miss Riley," he said with a mocking grin.

Emmett coughed to ease the tension between the young people. "We'll give you $60 and found to work the round up, do the branding, and help take the herd to market. How's that sound Rafe?"

Rafe looked at Emma until she dropped her eyes before he answered. "I believe I'd like to work for you Emmett."

********************

"I've worked harder Bowie," Rafe said aloud. "But I sure can't remember when." He was using a curry comb on the big horse after another day of roping and branding. "You've done a good job big fellar but I'll ride Buddy tomorrow and give you a rest."

The Palomino shook his head. "Don't argue with me," Rafe said and scratched Bowie's ears. "Buddy's gettin fat and needs to work a bit or he'll forget that he's a horse. Sides we're gonna be cuttin cattle out of the herd tomorrow and he's a mite faster off the mark." Rafe put Bowie in the corral and walked toward the ranch house for supper.

The Riley's, all three of them, and Rafe had been hard at work for the last seven days. Rafe, Emma, and sometimes Molly would round up the cattle. He was surprised at the women's skill on horseback. Rafe and Emma worked very well together. They cut out the calves and other cattle that needed branding and drove them to the area where Emmett was waiting with the hot irons. Throwing a lariat around a steer's horns, Rafe and Bowie would drag the animal as close to Emmett and the branding fire as he could. Emma would rope the steer's hind legs and the two horses pulled in opposite directions until the steer fell to the ground.

Emmett would rush in and apply the red hot branding iron to the steer's side. Then he loosened the ropes holding the animal and released it. Rafe and Emma would go rope another steer and they'd do it all over again. Emmett seemed to handle his part of the job just fine in spite of his broken leg.

During this period of almost back breaking work, Rafe and Emma became much closer. They began to talk a lot as they waited for Emmett or Molly to finish branding the cattle. Emma would walk to the barn with Rafe to check on the horses. Sure beats sleeping on the trail, Rafe thought. Then he chuckled to himself. Emma talks more than Bowie or Buddy too.

Rafe had asked Emmett how he broke his leg after the first day's work. "Just plain bad luck," Emmett replied. "I was drivin a few head of cattle down from the mountains on the west end of the ranch toward the Verde. A cougar let out a hunting cry which spooked my horse and he threw me. It spooked the cattle too and they turned to run from the cougar and one of them stepped on my leg." Emmett smiled, "Hurt like the dickens it did."

"Wondered why you're running white face Herefords instead of Longhorns or cross breeds," Rafe sorta asked Emmett.

"Well, I'll tell ya," Emmett replied smiling. "My neighbors thought I was loco to raise Herefords. Said they weren't sturdy enough." He nodded at Rafe and said, "They told me I should stick with Longhorns or cross breeds too. But just because I'm an old cow hand don't make me dumb." Emmett poured another cup of coffee.

"Herefords are plenty tough if they're kept fed and if they don't have to travel on long drives to the railhead. We've only got ten days or two weeks to either Flagstaff or Phoenix instead of a month or more like some of those ranches in Texas and New Mexico have."

Rafe nodded his understanding and smiled. Got to admire a man who can see a better way to do things, he thought.

"Both trails have good water and grazing along the way to boot," Emmett continued. "Herefords don't eat any more than a Longhorn, give you more weight on the hoof, and bring more money at market too. Granted Longhorns can stand the weather and long trail drives better but we don't have to put up with either one. Winter here in the Verde Valley is pretty mild as compared to other places." Emmett smiled and leaned back in his chair.

"One more thing," Emmett offered. "Herefords aren't as mean and ornery as Longhorns. They'd break a leg tryin to keep from stepping on you where a Longhorn will lower its head and run over you. Make's a world of difference when you're herding cattle." 

"Reckon you know what you're doin," Rafe said. "I've worked Longhorns and wasn't lookin forward to the next few days."

It had been the evening of the second day and Emma was watching Rafe take care of Bowie. "You were right you know," she said. Rafe turned to look at her. "I couldn't have done all the work by myself."

Rafe nodded and smiled at the young woman. "Oh I don't know. You can be downright stubborn sometimes. Don't think you'd have got it done before snow fall but I bet you would've got it done."

"My, my. Was that a compliment Mr. Cassidy?" Emma asked chuckling.

"Just an observation Miss Riley," Rafe answered with his own laugh. 

Now, as Rafe went to wash up, Emma was waiting for him with a clean towel. "Wash behind your ears please Mr. Cassidy," she said with a teasing grin.

"Yes em, I sure will."

After supper as Rafe drank a last cup of coffee he looked at Emmett. "How's Emmett holdin up Molly?"

"I'm right here Rafe," Emmett said.

"Oh, Daddy you wouldn't say anything if your leg was falling off," Emma butted in.

"He's doing pretty fair," Molly offered. "I make him skip every third steer or so. Seems to help."

"Will y'all quit talkin about me like I'm not here?" Emmett asked in an exasperated tone.

Molly ignored him and continued, "There's no swelling and no sign of infection." She reached over and patted her husband's hand. "Now if he'll pay attention to what I tell him he'll be okay."

"I give up," Emmett said. 

"Why do you ride different horses for different jobs Rafe?" Molly asked.

"Well if we have to cut the calves or particular cattle from the herd I use Buddy," Rafe replied. "He's smaller, very quick on his feet and makes a good cutting horse. Bowie is bigger and stronger but a mite slower as far as switchin directions real fast; I use him to rope and drag the steers over close to the fire.

Five days later the round up and branding were done. They had cut the cattle intended for market from the herd. Emmett decided to rest the horses and people for a couple of days before starting the drive to the railhead.

He stood and walked to a kitchen cabinet and pulled out a bottle of whiskey. "One drink won't hurt us and we deserve it" Emmett poured two big drinks and handed one to Rafe since the ladies declined. "Here's to the end of the roundup," he said and raised his glass.

"And to the cattle drive," Rafe added. Rafe and Emmett drank with appreciation.

"How many head are you plannin to sell?" Rafe asked. "And where are we takin em?"

"Thought we'd take a hundred head this trip," Emmett replied. "We're a little short on drovers so that'll be about all you three can handle." He smiled at his wife; this was the first she'd heard about her going on the drive. "You helped round em up and brand em, might as well see it to the end Molly girl."

"I suppose you're going to sit here in comfort waiting for us," Molly teased.

"No, I'll be drivin the chuck wagon. Fact is I'll probably be on point most of the trip." Emmett smiled at the expression on Molly's face. "Ridin in a wagon got to be easier that brandin 1000 pound steers. I'll be fine Molly."

"So where are we headed?" Rafe asked again.

"Normally we'd head up to Flagstaff. But it's gettin late in the season and weather could roll in. The trail to Flagstaff is hard enough without an early snow storm. It's all uphill until you get on top of the Mogollon. It'd be best for us to head downhill to Phoenix. It's a little farther but we shouldn't have a problem with weather and the trail is a mite easier so we should make better time." Emmett paused and added, "Price on cattle might be a bit higher in Flagstaff but we'd probably lose several head. No, Phoenix is the best place for us."

Emmett turned to Rafe and asked, "What do you think?"

"You know more about the country around here better than me," he replied. "And I think you're right, with only three drovers a hundred head is about all we can handle."

Nodding Emmett sat back in his chair with a big grin. He was well satisfied with his plan.

"Not to give you a big head, but I think you're right about makin the drive down hill too," Rafe added.

********************

Emmett got down from his chuck wagon and opened the gate to a holding corral at the rail head in Phoenix. Rafe, Emma, and Molly pushed the herd into the pen and Emmett closed the gate. It had taken eleven days to drive the herd from Camp Verde to Phoenix.

They would have made the drive in nine days but the first of the winter storms blew through the area. The rain was like sheets of water coming out of the sky. It filled the arroyos and washes with water. The drovers bunched the herd up against a rock butte to wait out the storm. The drive was delayed for a full day until the water had receded enough to cross the low lands.

For a full day Rafe, Emma, and Molly rode two man shifts around the cattle; taking turns to get some rest. The shifts were for two hours but Rafe rode almost ten hours that day. The cattle were a little jumpy because of the weather. As the wranglers rode they would talk in low tones or sing softly to calm and quiet the herd. 

That evening Rafe came into camp for one of the few rests he'd taken that day. Emmett handed him a hot cup of coffee and a plate of food. As Rafe ate, Emmett switched his saddle from Bowie to Buddy. The horses needed rest too.

"They're catchin hell up to Flagstaff," Emmett said pointing north. 

Over the mountains in the distance Rafe could see the angry black clouds. There's snow in the high country, he thought. 

As if Emmett had heard Rafe's thought he said, "They're gonna get maybe a foot of snow up there. If the wind picks up, it'll be like a blizzard." Emmett chuckled and smiled at Rafe. "I sure am a smart hombre to come south instead of drivin the herd north."

Rafe returned the smile and nodded agreement. 

********************

Now the drive was over as Emmett closed the gate. "Reckon I'll go get our money. We can have supper over to the hotel and stay there tonight." Looking at his companions he added, "I think we deserve a good meal, a glass of whiskey, and a soft bed."

"We'll decline the whiskey," Molly said getting a nod from Emma. "But the meal and soft bed would be a blessing."

Molly and Emma went to the hotel to arrange for rooms and Rafe went with Emmett to the cattle buyer's office. At supper Molly asked, "You haven't told me dear, how much did we get for our cattle?"

"Price was good this time, $22 a head. We didn't lose any cattle comin down the mountain so we had one hundred head. I've got a bank draft for $2200," Emmett answered. "Not a bad result for the drive."

He looked thoughtful for a minute. "Animal's fur usually grows heavier if it's gonna be a hard winter and from the looks of the beaver's in the Verde and the few deer I've seen, signs show it's gonna be a mild winter. Without a hard winter the cattle will get fat and sassy so we'll make an early drive in late spring next year and then another in the fall."

Turning to Rafe he added, "Course we hope you'll be there to help us Rafe. That is if you want to stay on pass the winter."

Rafe smiled, first at Emmett and then at Emma. "I've no plans of movin on unless y'all throw me out."

Emma's face lit up as she returned Rafe's smile. She seemed very glad that Rafe was staying.

"Reckon we'll head back to the ranch tomorrow morning. Now we have to go uphill but without havin to drive cattle we should be home inside of a week."

********************

On the evening of the fifth day the R Bar R crew made camp like they had the previous four nights. "We've made good time," Emmett said after supper. "The trail will flatten out some now and if we push a little we should be home by nightfall."

"I'd rather sleep in my bedroll in the bunk house than spend another night on the trail," Rafe said. "I think the horses want their own stalls too."

"Speaking for us ladies it will be nice to take a bath and get out of these work clothes," Molly laughed. Emma nodded her agreement.

After supper Rafe asked Emma if she'd like to go check on the horses with him. Emmett and Molly smiled as they left the campfire.

"I really don't think Rafe's going to leaving anytime soon," Molly said. She smiled and pointed to the young couple walking close together.

"Emma, I know it sounds funny livin at the ranch and all, but I'd like to call on you all proper like," Rafe said in a low voice. "I've gotten right fond of you."

"You won't have to go far to call on me what with living in the bunkhouse and all," she teased. Emma took Rafe's hand and said, "I'd like it very much if you called on me."

The crew started at first light the next morning and topped the last of the high hills that surrounded the Verde Valley around 10 AM. "It's all downhill from here," Emmett said. 

Rafe has ridden Bowie over to a big rock that had a vein of quartz running through the granite. Nothing special, Rafe thought as he examined the quartz, but it sure is pretty. He'd dismounted and was trying to break off a sample of the quartz to give to Emma. The big rock hid him from view. 

As Emmett finished speaking four men wearing bandanas tied over their faces rode out of the tree line. They stopped in front of the chuck wagon and pulled their guns.

"Reckon y'all got a bit of cash after sellin your cattle," the biggest of the men said. "We think you ought to share with us."

Emmett pulled the team to a stop and reached for his rifle. Molly and Emma had been riding beside the wagon and moved their horses closer. 

"Just let that rifle be Mister," the bandit ordered.

"Don't rightly see how y'all earned a share of our money," Emmett said in an angry voice.

"Emmett," Molly said trying to calm her husband.

"We'll earn our share by takin it from you. If you behave that's all we'll take," the outlaw said gesturing at Molly and Emma.

One of the others said something in a low voice to the leader. He nodded and said, "There was four of you when you started up the mountain. Where's your wrangler that rides that fancy horse?"

"I'm right here you son of a bitch," Rafe answered.

Rafe had seen the men ride out of the trees and knew they weren't coming for a visit. He left Bowie ground tied and crept around behind the robbers. All four men turned and saw the young cowboy standing beside a big Ponderosa pine with his Winchester trained on them. When the men turned, Emmett quickly picked up his own rifle.

"Drop your guns," Emmett ordered.

The leader looked at Rafe and then at Emmett. "Don't think we will. If shooting breaks out your ladies there might get hit. I don't think y'all want that. We'll just mosey on and leave you folks be."

As the men started to turn their horses Rafe said in a cold voice. "Don't move Mister." Glancing at Emmett he asked, "What do you want to do Emmett? Should we let them ride out or take them to the sheriff at Camp Verde?"

Before Emmett could answer the man on the end snapped a shot at Rafe. The man cocked his pistol to fire again and Rafe shot back. The man was knocked off his horse and Rafe swung his rifle toward the others. There was another man on the ground; the other two were spurring their horses down the mountain. Rafe ran to Bowie and mounted. As he started to follow the road agents, Emmet yelled to him.

"Rafe hold up," Emmett ordered. "There's two of them." He could see Rafe hesitate and added, "We need to get Molly and Emma safe at home and get this man to the sheriff." He pointed at the man who was holding his shoulder.

Emmett climbed down off the wagon and approached the wounded man. He picked up the fallen pistol and looked at the man's wound. The man was holding his shoulder and groaning. "You're not hurt bad. Shut up," Emmett told him and slapped the man's head.

Damn missed my shot, Emmett thought. Meant to hit him in the chest. He walked over the other man and saw a bullet hole in the middle of his forehead. 

"Rafe didn't miss though," Emmett said to himself. "This'ins dead Rafe," he said out loud.

"I know," Rafe replied as he rode Bowie back to the wagon. "Should'a let me follow them Emmett. They'll just come back on us or jump somebody else." He rode closer to Emma and asked with concern, "You all right Emma?" 

She smiled, reached over to touch Rafe's hand, and nodded. 

"If they come back we'll deal with them," Emmett said. "Help me get this fellar tied up and onto his horse."

They tied the man's hands behind him, put him on his horse and tied the horse's reins to the back of the chuck wagon on a short lead. Molly tended the outlaws wound when they got back to the ranch. Emmett's bullet had gone completely through the man's shoulder. After the bleeding was stopped, Emmett tied the man to an iron hitching ring set in the side of one of the stalls.

"That ought to hold him until morning," Emmet said. "We'll take him to the sheriff when I go to the bank."

********************

"Hello Emmett what can I do for you?" Sheriff Rawlings asked as Emmett and Rafe came into his office about midday. Then he saw the man with a bandage on his shoulder and his hands tied in front of him. "Why'd you bring Jim Morrison in?"

"He and three other men tried to rob us yesterday on our way home from Phoenix," Emmett explained. "Two of them got away but two didn't. We buried the other one up on the ridge."

"That attempted robbery is outside my jurisdiction," Rawlings said. "I can't hold this man."

"Then we'll make a citizen's arrest Sheriff," Emmett told him in disgust. "I know enough about the law that you have to hold him for the circuit judge."

Rawlings stood and escorted Morrison into a cell in the back. "His brother Tom ain't gonna be happy about this," he cautioned Emmett. "The one you buried must have been the other brother Bill."

"Don't much care how he feels," Emmett replied. "He pulled down on my wife and daughter. If it hadn't been for Rafe I reckon I wouldn't be here. Maybe Molly and Emma wouldn't be sittin out in the wagon either." Emmett looked into the Sheriff's eyes. "Morrison better worry about me."

"You won't do anything Sheriff?" Rafe asked in disbelief.

"According to the law I can't," Rawlings replied. "There ain't no warrants out on Morrison." The Sheriff added, "Don't like it much but that's the law. I can hold Jim until the judge gets here and if Tom shows up, I'll warn him to leave y'all alone. That's about all I can do."

Emmett and Rafe went back to the wagon and the women. "We better keep our eyes open for a while according to what Rawlings says." Turning to Rafe he said, "You didn't sign on for a war son. I'll understand if y'all want to ride out. No hard feelings either."

Rafe looked at Emmett and Molly and smiled at Emma. "If it's all the same to you Emmett, I'll stay around for a spell. Remember I told you my story when we met." The rancher nodded and Rafe continued, "Well I'm tired of runnin. At least this time I'll have a good reason to fight."

"Reckon we should go over to the bank and deposit this draft and get on home," Emmett said. 




Ride For The Sun Ch. 02



Two weeks later Rafe rode to Camp Verde for supplies. He'd talked Emmett in to staying back at the ranch with the women. As he saddled Bowie, Emmett objected to staying behind.

"Didn't want to say nothin in front of Molly and Emma but we don't know where Tom Morrison is," Rafe said. "His brother is in jail waitin for the circuit judge and like you said we need to be careful." 

"Don't like it none but you're right," Emmett agreed. "You're the logical one to go to town what with my leg and all." He put his hand on Rafe's shoulder. "But you be careful boy. I don't want to have to explain to Emma that something happened to you."

Rafe had loaded his pack animal with the supplies and decided to have a beer before heading back to the R Bar R. The main doors to the saloon were closed against the colder weather that had rolled into the valley the week before. He entered the saloon and walked over to the potbellied stove sitting in the corner near the end of the bar. Rafe stretched out his hands toward the stove to warm his hands.

The bartender, Charley, saw Rafe coming and drew a beer, setting it on the bar. Rafe nodded his thanks and took a big drink.

"It's a good thing I don't live in town," Rafe said. "I'd be in here all the time. This is good beer Charley."

Charley smiled and then leaned across the bar. "There's two fellars been talkin about gettin some kind of revenge on you and Emmett. I caught their names; one of them Tom Morrison."

"What do they look like?" Rafe asked.

"See for yourself. They're sittin at that back table yonder." Rafe turned and looked. "The big one's Morrison, the other's name is Barlow. "Should I send for the Sheriff, Rafe?"

"Reckon you should," he replied. "I'm gonna have a talk with Morrison and if things get squirrelly we'll need the undertaker too."

Rafe finished his beer and walked to the table in the back of the room. The two men watched as Rafe came closer. He stopped and faced the two men sitting there.

"Reckon you'd be Morrison," Rafe said. He recognized the man as the leader of the bandits. "Heard you was lookin for me."

"And just who might you be youngster?" Morrison asked with a sneer on his face.

"Name's Rafe Cassidy. I was ridin with the Riley's when you tried to rob them." Morrison tensed. "I had to shoot your brother up on that ridge."

Morrison and his companion slowly stood up. The other man stepped back away from the table with his hands raised to shoulder height, showing he didn't want any part of the trouble that was coming. 

"I'm gonna avenge my brother on you and then go out and take care of Riley," Morrison bragged. "I might even enjoy myself with his women."

"You'll be dead before you get to the door Morrison," Rafe warned in a cold hard voice. "I think you better come with me to see the Sheriff."

Morrison didn't wait for Rafe to finish speaking; he reached for his pistol. He was trying to point the gun toward Rafe when he felt the first bullet. A second one followed a split second later and he fell onto the table and slid to the floor.

Rafe's attention was on Morrison and he didn't see the other man draw his weapon and fire. Hit in the leg Rafe started down but snapped off a shot. His aim was the better of the two and he hit the man in the chest. The man dropped his pistol, coughed, and collapsed. 

Pulling himself up into a chair, Rafe tied his bandana around the wound in his leg. Then he stood and limped toward the door. Charley ran over to help but Rafe waved him off.

Sheriff Rawlings entered the saloon. "You all right Rafe?" Rawlings asked as he looked over at the two men on the floor. "Here, sit down. You can tell me what happened."

"Morrison and his man drew on me and I killed them," Rafe said heatedly. "You wouldn't help us when we told you about the robbery." Rafe gave the Sheriff a hard stare. "So don't be gettin in my way now Rawlings."

Rafe continued out the door and mounted Bowie. "Let me get the doctor for you Rafe," Charley said from the doorway.

Shaking his head, Rafe turned Bowie toward the ranch and rode out of town.

Bowie stopped in front of the ranch house and waited for his human to get down. Rafe was hunched over in the saddle barely conscious. When he didn't move Bowie whinnied loudly.

Emma came out to investigate the noise and saw Rafe. "Mommy, Daddy, Rafe's been hurt," she yelled back into the house. She ran down the steps and up to Bowie. Molly joined her and together they got Rafe down off the big horse. They carried him into the house and as soon as he was settled into one of the bedrooms Emmett told Emma to go take care of Rafe's horse.

"He'd be real upset if Bowie wasn't unsaddled," he told Emma to get her to leave.

Molly used scissors to slit Rafe's pant leg so she could tend to his wound.

********************

This ain't the bunkhouse, Rafe thought when he woke up. He looked around the room and knew he was in the main house. Lifting the quilt that covered him to look at his leg he saw the bandage around his thigh; it looked clean and fresh. Rafe also saw that he was naked.

Emma came bouncing into the room. "Bout time you woke up," she said with a big smile.

"How long I been out?"

"Today's the fourth day since we got you into bed. Doc Sweeny and Charley came out with your pack horse and said he couldn't do anything more than Mommy had already done." Seeing the worried look on Rafe's face she added, "Doc said you'd be fine in a month or two."

"Who undressed me and put me to bed?"

"Well, Mommy and me..." Emma stopped and giggled as Rafe's face got red. "Like I said, Mommy and me got you to the bed and she slit your pants leg so she could tend to you. Then we..." She stopped again and smiled. "Then we called Daddy and he undressed you the rest of the way."

Rafe chuckled. "Thanks Emma. Y'all takin care of me means a lot."

"Guess your gonna be with us for a while," Emma said in a happy voice. "Doc said it be at least two months before you could ride much."

"Emma," Molly called. "You come and let Rafe rest for a while. You'll get to see him later."

"Yes em," she responded. Turning back to Rafe she said, "I'm glad you're gonna be okay." Emma leaned over and her long hair covered his face. She added softly, "And I'm glad you're gonna stay with us and stay with me." She kissed Rafe, smiled, and left the room.

Rafe put his fingers up to his lips. Reckon I'm never gonna get to California, he thought. 

Best write the folks and tell them I found a real decent place to settle. Best tell them about Emma too.

The End.



Ride For The Sun Ch. 03



A working copy of this chapter was mistakenly posted earlier. Please excuse the error.

I thought I'd put this story to rest but my main character, Rafe Cassidy, reminded me that I hadn't told the complete story of he and Emma. So according to him this tale wasn't finished. At Rafe's request I must continue the story. And as our friend Denham Forrest says "Life Goes On".

Please read Chapters 1& 2 as the flow of the story and characters blend into this chapter.

Constructive comments, critiques, and emails are welcome and appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read my work and for your comments. I hope you enjoy the conclusion to "Ride For The Sun".





Ride For The Sun Ch. 03



The R Bar R was growing. The Riley's and their new son were able to ship almost two hundred head this year; about double what they'd sold for market the previous year. Emmett decided to keep Bob Turner on as a full time hand; he felt if the ranch kept growing they might even have to hire another hand or two.

"Reckon you've been good luck for us Rafe," Emmett said one evening shortly after they returned from the cattle drive.

Rafe grabbed Emma's hand as she was clearing the table and pulled her onto his lap. "I think I'm the one that got lucky," he said as he hugged his wife.





Ride For The Sun Ch. 03



"Damn you Jeff," Bill complained. "You got blood all over me. Next time make sure I'm clear."

"Reckon that'll do for your share," Jeff said to the dead man. "Sorry Bill. Wash up and let's hit the trail. You still think we should swing south and head for Phoenix or Tucson?"

"Believe we should," Bill answered. "Got those wanted posters out on us up to Flagstaff and they'll probably put more out for this job in Camp Verde. Phoenix is about a three day ride but I believe we lost any posse so we can take it easy on the trail. If things get too hot in Phoenix, we can head on down to Tucson; from there it's less than a day's ride to the Mexican border."

The Dooley's mounted and turned south toward Phoenix. Neither of them noticed the rider on the big creamy gold colored horse coming down off the ridge line into the valley following their trail.





Ride For The Sun Ch. 03



"That's good," Emma said. "I already told Mr. Grove that I'd do it."

Both of them laughed and hugged each other. "Better not let it interfere with us though," Rafe said, only half kidding.

"No sir. Wouldn't think of it."